An exceptional premiere at the Grand Theatre in Poznań. What hits do Romeo and Juliet die to?

This story has no beginning or end, because Shakespeare did not invent the lovers of Verona, but drew from sources that had come before him. And after him, until today, Romeo and Juliet appear in various incarnations, including modern ones.

Such are the heroes of the play "R + J. Romeo and Juliet" by Robert Bondara, who was inspired by the moving poem by the Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish "Rita and the Rifle" about a great love for a Jewish girl, interrupted when she went to the Israeli army.

Bondara's second idea is the Myslovitz hit "I'd Like to Die of Love" beautifully sung on stage by Bovska. Its words best express the strength of Romeo and Juliet's feelings.

The characters are contemporary, living in a world we know, torn by various conflicts, which is reminded of – quite obtrusively – by the visuals before the actual action begins. Father Laurenty is a man who provides various assistance, including in a nightclub, when he slips a drug that allows for enhancing sensations.

Despite some innovations introduced by Robert Bondara, who transformed the ball at the Capulet's house into today's event with Bovska, the play maintains its own fidelity to Shakespeare. There is Benvolio, Tybalt and Mercutio with a tragically consequential fight, but also Paris, designated as Juliet's husband. It is a night of lovers presented with a great deal of lyricism. And there is only no wedding, because today true love does not need official confirmation.

There have been many modern versions of the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, so the originality of Robert Bondara's idea lies not in this, but in the way it was realized. He abandoned Prokofiev's ballet music - excellent, but almost imposing choreographic solutions. And besides, it does not express the emotions of today's young people well.

Bondara created his own soundtrack from recordings of famous artists – from U2, Vulfpeck, The Cardigans, Massive Attack and Sigur Rós to Michał Jacaszek and live music by Marcin Baran. This is not a typical compilation, common in contemporary ballet, but a coherent collage with appropriate dramaturgy.

The most original, however, is the form of this theatrical story, the basic means used of which are movement and gesture, but combined with words, music and song. Robert Bondara skillfully created – which is rare in ballet – an almost simultaneous story, in which the action takes place on many planes, because the ensemble does not freeze in admiration when the main characters dance.

Romeo and Juliet, Grand Theatre in Poznań

"R + J. Romeo and Juliet", group scene

Photo: Ewa Krasucka

Robert Bondara uses a diverse choreographic language – from the classics to his own, expressive style. There are also moments full of poetry, but predatoryness dominates. The world presented is not friendly to either the lovers or the viewer, which was emphasized more strongly by Diana Marszałek, the author of the decorations and costumes (not always fully successful). On the other hand, the high level of the Poznań Teatr Wielki team is satisfying. It is clear that he has a good sense of what their boss expects from him. The entire cast of the premiere of "R + J. Romeo and Juliet" deserves recognition, led by the charming delicacy of Chiara Ruaro (Juliet) and the expressive Mateusz Sierant (Romeo).